Note that we are now using the winter starting time of 9:30 AM.
The Salt Box Village Saturday Morning ride will continue on 12/12/09 at
9:30 AM unless it is raining or the forecast for RDU at 10:00 AM on Weather.com is for less than 40 degrees.
All riders are welcome, but this ride is somewhat more challenging than the Thursday Slow Spokes ride. All riders are expected to be able to complete at least the 34 mile ride.
This will be a no-drop group ride that will go as fast as the slowest rider can manage and is designed for riders who are looking to increase their pace and distance. There is a 33 to 38 mile and a 50 mile option. The two routes are identical for the first 19.7 miles and the last 5.4 miles. Between those two points, there is an extra loop and a store stop in the 50 mile route. Riders on both routes will stay in one group until the 19.7 mile route.
Those who elect to do the shorter route can decide whether to do the 33, 34, or 38 mile option. The 34 mile route has fewer hills, but more traffic than the 33 and 38 mile options. I will try to make most of the rides during the winter, and will lead the 34 mile ride if there are any riders who are interested. When I am not available, I am relying on the regulars who do show up for this ride to maintain the original intent of this ride - i.e., to provide an opportunity for slower riders to participate in a group ride and learn group riding techniques. The goal should be to keep the group together at the fastest pace the slowest rider can maintain. If there are enough riders to split into smaller groups, that is fine, but no group should have fewer than three riders, and once a group is established, that group should stay together for the entire ride.
The intent of this ride will focus on group riding technique. If we have at least eight riders, we will ride in a double paceline were road conditions and traffic allow (usually beginning on Tingen Road at mile 7.1). The rest of the time we will ride in a single line. Do not worry if you have never riden in a paceline before. We will teach you what you need to know to maintain a safe and fun paceline.
Cue sheets and Garmin TCX files are available at these links:
34 mile route
33 and 38 mile variations
50 mile route
Please bring your own copy of the cue sheet.
If you have not signed a waiver for any Slow Spokes ride since January 1, 2009, Please go to this link, print the liability waiver form that is attached at the bottom of the post, sign the form, and turn it in to Perry or Rick at the ride. We only need one waiver form on file from each rider for the calendar year regardless of the Slow Spokes rides in which you participate.
Comments:
- RSVP requested to help plan riding groups. RSVP by replying to the ride announcement thread.
- Beginners are welcome to join this ride.
- New riders should read Bicycling Hand Signals and Safety Pointers and Ride Preparation - Equipment, Nutrition, Hydration
- First time riders with this group should fill out the linked liability waiver and bring it to the ride. NCBC’s insurance company requires one on file each year for each cyclist.
- Please arrive in time to prepare your bike to leave promptly at 9:30 AM.
- All riders should carry proper equipment in case they have a flat (spare tube, pump or CO2 cartridge).
- Helmets are required.
- It is strongly recommended that you carry your driver’s license, health insurance card (or a photo copy), emergency contact information or Road I.D. in case of an emergency. You may also want to program your cell phone with an emergency contact number under the name “ICE” In Case of Emergency.
12-07-2009, 09:25 AM
